“Why am I doing this?” That’s the question dominating a President’s Advisory Committee board meeting (PAC). None of the members—all business owners—intend to give or sell their business to their children. Instead, in a reversal of traditional social norms, all of them plan to use their wealth to empower their children on whatever paths the kids happen to choose.The members range in age from early forties to mid-fifties. Each of them has done very well. Their children range in age from the early grades to out-of-the-nest adults.

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Not Surprising

These business owners think about their children—and their future—a lot. They have two overriding concerns:

Finding the time to spend with their kids while they’re growing, despite the demands of their business

Keeping their children grounded while living in a household that enjoys unusual income and wealth.

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If you’re a business owner and a parent, this probably resonates with you, and you likely fall into one of three distinctly different categories:

You share the view of this PAC Board and want to support your children’s dreams no matter where it leads them.

You quietly hope that at least one of your children takes an interest in your business and emerges as your successor.

You proactively expose your business to your children to your business from an early age in the context of “One day, this will all be yours.”

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Experts Agree

Regardless of your outlook, experts agree that young adults should begin their careers outside the family business. An Inc. Magazine article quotes family business consultant Mark Green, Ph.D. “After they’re done with their college degrees, they should go work somewhere else at least a year or two. Three, five, seven years is even better. That really adds credibility if they do come back.”

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